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AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

ISSN(Online): 2736-0040    ISSN(Print): 2695-1975

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EFFECT OF SANITARY RISKS ON THE LEVEL OF PIG PRODUCTION IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA


Author:  Kalu, U., Nwachukwu, I. and Chime, E.

Abstract
The study examined the effect of sanitary risks on the level of pig production in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of pig farmers; ascertain the perceived effect of sanitary risks on level of pig production, and; determine the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and farmers’ perception of the effect of sanitary risk on pig production. A multistage sampling procedure was used to randomly select 60 pig farmers were sampled for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean scores, and inferential statistics such as multiple regression analyses were used for the study. Results revealed a mean age of 50. Additionally, 83.3% of the respondents are male while 16.7% of the respondents are female. Majority (76.7%) of respondents are married, with 65.0% having Secondary education, a mean household size of 6, and a mean stock size of 40. A mean year of experience of 7 was also recorded and majority (70.0%) said they have not had contact with extension agents. Results of pig farmers’ perception of the effect of sanitary risks on pig production revealed that ‘absence of functional foot dips on the pig farms ( =3.88), Keeping Quarantine section too close to the main property ( =3.8) were the major risk perception, the coefficients of sex (3.222), Age (-5.861), Household size (2.042), Years of Experience (-2.110), Level of Education (2.173), and stock size (2.432), were significant and related to effect of risks factors on pig production. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics and farmers’ perception of risk effect on pig production. It is therefore recommended that adequate policies be formulated by Government to guide pig production in the study area, such as ensuring presence of functional dips and adequate distances for quarantine sections among others.